Endotracheal tube system

Abstract

The endotracheal tube system (10) includes an endotracheal tube (12), an auxiliary sterilizing tube (20), and a sterilizing agent source (28) for sterilization of the endotracheal tube (12) while it is in use. The endotracheal tube (12) is an elongated, hollow tube having a distal end (14) and a proximal end (16). An inflatable cuff (18) is disposed on the elongated hollow tube (12), adjacent the distal end (14). The sterilizing tube (20) has a closed distal end (24) and an open proximal end (22). The closed distal end (24) is secured to the elongated hollow tube (12) adjacent the inflatable cuff (18), and a plurality of pores (26) are formed through at least a portion of the sterilizing tube (20). The sterilizing agent source (28) injects chlorhexidine into the sterilizing tube (20), which is distributed to the elongated hollow tube (12) through pores (26).

I claim: 
     
         1 . An endotracheal tube system, comprising:
 an elongated hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being adapted for insertion into a trachea of a patient;   an inflatable cuff disposed on said elongated hollow tube adjacent the distal end thereof;   a sterilizing tube having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the closed distal end being secured to the elongated hollow tube adjacent the inflatable cuff, a plurality of pores being formed through at least a portion of the sterilizing tube; and   a sterilizing agent source for distributing a sterilizing agent to the elongated hollow tube through the pores of the sterilizing tube.   
     
     
         2 . The endotracheal tube system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said sterilizing agent source comprises an infusion syringe and said sterilizing agent comprises chlorhexidine. 
     
     
         3 . The endotracheal tube system as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a three-way stopcock for providing selective fluid communication between the sterilizing tube, the infusion syringe and an external suction source. 
     
     
         4 . The endotracheal tube system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the sterilizing tube is helically wound about the elongated hollow tube. 
     
     
         5 . An endotracheal tube system, comprising:
 an elongated hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being adapted for insertion into a trachea of a patient;   an inflatable cuff disposed on said elongated hollow tube adjacent the distal end thereof;   a sterilizing tube having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the closed distal end being secured to the elongated hollow tube adjacent the inflatable cuff, a plurality of pores being formed through at least a portion of the sterilizing tube; and   an infusion syringe for injecting chlorhexidine into the sterilizing tube, through the open proximal end thereof, for distribution of the chlorhexidine to the elongated hollow tube through the pores formed through the sterilizing tube.   
     
     
         6 . The endotracheal tube system as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising a three-way stopcock for providing selective fluid communication between the sterilizing tube, the infusion syringe and an external suction source. 
     
     
         7 . The endotracheal tube system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the sterilizing tube is helically wound about the elongated hollow tube. 
     
     
         8 . An endotracheal tube system, comprising:
 an elongated hollow tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being adapted for insertion into a trachea of a patient;   an inflatable cuff disposed on said elongated hollow tube adjacent the distal end thereof; and   a sterilizing tube having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, the closed distal end being secured to the elongated hollow tube adjacent the inflatable cuff, a plurality of pores being formed through at least a portion of the sterilizing tube.   
     
     
         9 . The endotracheal tube as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising an infusion syringe for injecting chlorhexidine into the sterilizing tube, through the open proximal end thereof, for distribution of the chlorhexidine to the elongated hollow tube through the pores formed through the sterilizing tube. 
     
     
         10 . The endotracheal tube as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a three-way stopcock for providing selective fluid communication between the sterilizing tube, the infusion syringe and an external suction source. 
     
     
         11 . The endotracheal tube system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the sterilizing tube is helically wound about the elongated hollow tube.